Pilot Debrief

Shaw FISHER FP 404 near Lillian, AL — 2010-03-22

Final reportERA10CA185
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Date
2010-03-22
Location
Lillian, AL, USA
Airport
AL55
Aircraft
Shaw FISHER FP 404
Registration
N6587V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate weather evaluation and failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusty wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The experimental, amateur-built airplane was equipped with a 48-horsepower engine. The pilot reported that he obtained weather information via television; however, he did not receive a weather briefing from a flight service station prior to the local flight. The pilot attempted to depart on runway 27; a 2,175-foot-long, 80-foot-wide, turf runway. During the takeoff roll, at a speed of approximately 50 mph, the wind pushed the airplane to the right and the pilot attempted to abort the takeoff. The wind then caused an increase in airspeed and the airplane became airborne. The airplane banked right and the pilot was unable to correct with left aileron and left rudder control input. The airplane subsequently impacted bushes and the fuselage separated. The recorded wind at a nearby airport, about the time of the accident, was from 280 degrees at 13 knots, gusting to 33 knots. The peak wind was recorded from 230 degrees at 33 knots. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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